With gas prices rising well above the three dollar mark per gallon, consumers are reconsidering their options when purchasing a car. With improvements and innovations providing better gas mileage in new cars, that option seems like the ideal situation.

On the other hand, some consumers consider that the extra couple of miles they get with each gallon isn’t enough to offset the higher payments of a new car.

That’s why the used car market is such a booming market right now. It took more than one hundred years for gas prices to reach one dollar a gallon, but only six short years shoot up beyond three dollars a gallon.

The increasing gas prices don’t show any signs of slowing down soon. In fact, we may never see a gallon of gas falling below the price of three dollars again. And less than two dollars? That’s almost like living in a fantasy world, although some oil industry experts say it just might happen.

Minimize the impact on your wallet by choosing a newer pre-owned vehicle with decent fuel-efficiency. Some used Ford models get at least 25mpg on the highway. When you think that the new models are getting 30mpg at the most, the used models don’t look so bad.

If you’re in the market for a more fuel-efficient vehicle and you thought that new cars were your only option, think again. Our dealers are always ready to answer and questions you might have. We want to put you in the car that meets your needs today!

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In a partnership with Nuance Communications, Ford takes a huge step towards increasing the safety of its vehicles - and many Ford models are considered some of the safest cars yet.

Nuance Communications, a sophisticated provider of speech and imaging solutions, announced that it will integrate its speech recognition technology and other features into many new Ford vehicles. This integration enhances the driver’s ability to concentrate on the road. Here are some of the more interesting features that drivers will soon find in their new Ford vehicle:

Voice-activated destination – With this feature, drivers simply say an address aloud and the computer relays relevant information to the driver. The driver no longer needs to type the address on a keyboard or even take his or her eyes off the road.

Hands-free Calling – Cell phones are a danger to drivers because drivers typically need to glance away from the road to look at the phone while dialing. Drivers also need one hand to hold the phone up to their ear. - that’s one hand less on the wheel of the car. With this safety feature, drivers simply push a button on the steering wheel and everything becomes voice-activated. Your hands and eyes are free to focus on paying attention to the road ahead.

Voice-activated audio feature – Instead of looking at the radio dial to find your favorite station, this technology allows you to simply say your favorite station aloud. The same concept also works to control the CD changer.

Voice-activated climate control – With a simple voice command like “warmer” or “cooler”, drivers sit in adjusted climate comfort regardless of the weather outside.

Currently, Nuance Communications is working with Ford manufacturers across Europe to integrate the speech technology in Ford cars. It’s just a matter of time before the technology is available in North America and all over the world.

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With the used car market booming , purchasing a pre-owned Ford is a great decision and a good investment for you and your family.

In the last couple years, the used full-size SUV market is particularly strong, according to an article in Business Week. More drivers are looking for the roominess and power that only a full-size SUV offers. These drivers are turning to pre-owned models to get what they want at a lower price.

Despite the rising cost of fuel, consumers are still interested in what many call “gas guzzlers.” While the market for a full-size SUV is not anywhere near what it was a decade ago, SUVs are still more popular than one would expect.

The crossover market has disappointed consumer expectations, as they simply don’t have the power that you’d expect from a sports utility vehicle. Others are not happy with the size and gas mileage of these products.

Larger SUVs retain more of their residual value over the years. After a person owns or leases alarge SUV for three years, the product still holds nearly 50 percent of its original value (48.6 percent to be exact). This is up nearly 3 percent from last year’s evaluation of 46 percent.

Why is the used market booming instead of the new market? The managing editor of a leading automotive publication said that there are two reasons: consumers panicked and sold their SUVs when gas prices started going up, and consumers have realized that auto manufacturers put a lot of money into certified used car programs, offering many used models that are nearly as good as new.

If you’re on a budget or simply enjoy the investment of a certified pre-owned vehicle, come see what our dealers have to offer. With our variety of quality used cars and SUVs, you can find one to drive home today!

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The New England Motor Press Association just named the 2008 Ford Taurus the “Family Car of the Year.” In a year that was abundant with new safety features and tough competition from other auto manufacturers, the Ford Taurus rose above the pack to earn this coveted title.

This is the second consecutive “Family Car of the Year” award for Ford. Their Fusion model also won the moniker in 2006.

Several factors are taken into consideration for the best family car each year. Safety, of course, is a major issue. With the 2008 Taurus, Ford upholds its reputation of strong safety by implementing features like side air bags, electronic stability control, a new steering design and dozens of other features.

The new Taurus has won several other awards since its introduction, too. Because the car gets five-star ratings in each of the four crash test categories, it is consistently rated as the “safest full-size car in North America” by many top experts and officials in the industry. The Taurus has also been named this year’s Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute of Safety.

Your family is important to you, and their safety is your top priority. Ford knows this. The company continues to produce vehicles that help you feel comfortable and safe with your family in the car.

And as an added bonus, all of these safety awards save you money on your insurance premiums. Purchase a Ford automobile today to experience the peace of mind that only comes with safety for your family.

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Spark plugs keep a car running at optimum performance. With faulty plugs, a car doesn’t run very well - that’s if you can even get it started at all.

With a new car, spark plugs aren’t really an issue. You can usually get about 30,000 miles from your vehicle before spark plugs start giving you problems.

If you recently bought a used car or if you own a car with high mileage, it might be time to change your spark plugs before they give you problems. Here are some tips to help you learn how these small plugs affect your car’s performance and how you can keep them working well as long as possible.

Spark plugs are cylindrical devices that fit in your vehicle’s cylinders. They take in electricity at one point and transfer it to the opposite end of the plug. This ultimately fires up the vehicle so it starts when you turn the key.

Since spark plugs are highly intricate and sensitive, making sure they stay fresh helps to ensure their long life. If they are not in tip-top shape, you could lose fuel-efficiency and power. Also, your vehicle could be releasing more emissions into the air. Changing spark plugs about every 30,000 miles ensures that you get the most from your vehicle without sacrificing power or efficiency.

Waiting too long in between changes could cause the spark plugs to be extremely difficult to remove, as they can become almost welded to the engine’s cylinders.

A used car doesn’t need to have the stigma of being “used.” Some simple preventative maintenance, like changing its spark plugs, can make it last for many years to come.

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Ford announced on Tuesday that Sirius Satellite Radio will continue to be offered in about 70 percent of Ford vehicles rolling off the line in 2009. The two companies have had a relationship for a few years, but this new partnership strengthens that relationship. The winner will be you - the consumer.

With the extended relationship, the two companies will continue to work together through 2011. Although specific details of the new contract were not released, Ford did state that the new deal includes the satellite radio system in all of the popular Ford vehicle models – Land Rover, Mercury, Lincoln, Jaguar, Mazda and Volvo. The Ford Lincoln models already include an advanced form of this radio system – the Sirius Travel Link, unveiled on the 2009 Lincoln MKS.

With this highly-sophisticated system, drivers have real-time information regarding the weather, nearby fuel prices and movie times close to the driver’s location. The information is streamed directly to a screen in the vehicle, and drivers are only a touch away from getting whatever they need in a matter of seconds. They can even program favorite teams into the computerized system and get up-to-the-minute scores.

With this system, Sirius makes a bold move in the advancement of this technology. The move also makes their relationship with Ford much stronger than other manufacturers. It’s just a matter of time before other models and manufacturers scramble to follow suit and stay competitive in a world of rapidly-improving advancements.

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Imagine going to a charity luncheon and driving home in your very own certified Ford Focus. That’s just what one lucky winner did this past week at the United Way of Caldwell County 2007-08 Victory Luncheon.

The contest started weeks prior to the event. Hopeful participants donated a minimum of $100 for a chance to win. After that, the number of contestants was narrowed down to five. At the luncheon, the five finalists picked a number that corresponded to a key and one of those keys opened the door of the prize.

The winner was Novella Harshaw – an employee at the Bernhardt Furniture Plant 6. “I’m so excited,” he exclaimed after sitting in his new car for the first time.

The Ford Focus giveaway was just one part of this charity event. The Hog Wild Barbecue created a fully catered menu. Guests were treated to some of the best BBQ items in the region while the chairman of the local United Way thanked everybody for participating in the event. He also went on to express sincere thanks to the people who support the United Way and Bernhardt Furniture in particular for sponsoring the event.

Ford is committed to improving its community by donating to charities and inspiring people to make the world a better place. This is just one of many stories in which the Ford Motor Company helped make a difference.

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The new Ford Edge is a shocker in many ways. As one of the leaders in the SUV market, Ford has always been able to compete with other manufacturers. We excel in building quality vehicles that last for years. Our new creation is almost no different – almost, because Ford makes the same quality vehicle that its competition does.

But Ford does it for thousands of dollars less.

Compare the Ford Edge with leading competitors, and you’ll find that the Edge stacks up in the most important categories for car buyers – safety, power, comfort and price.

The Ford Edge is available in either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Whichever one you prefer, you’ll notice the power with each push of the accelerator. Ford does not sacrifice any horsepower with the Edge, but it is still efficient enough to save you money at the pumps each week.

Comfort is an important part of any Ford creation and the Edge is no different. It takes comfort to an extreme for a mid-size SUV. The driver has everything within reach and the controls are in the most logical places. Searching is kept to a minimum.

The sunroof is also spectacular, as it takes up the majority of the vehicle’s ceiling. This just adds a sense of extra room and more light when on the road.

Car buyers also appreciate the safety that Ford vehicles are known for. Since many crossover buyers are parents with young children, safety is of utmost importance in a new car. The Ford Edge has everything you’d expect and even more.

Imagine getting such a quality vehicle for about 30 percent less than the competition. Only Ford has been able to perfect the crossover market while charging much less for it.

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Buyers in the market for a used car can come to Sunset Ford to get a great deal on a quality Ford vehicle. Our certified Ford vehicles undergo a rigorous inspection process to ensure they function just like new. We have a wide selection of used Fords at lower prices to fit your needs and your budget. Keep the following tips in mind when visiting us and drive home the perfect car or truck today!

1. Visit an accredited dealership. Our showrooms are accredited and our expert sales staff is dedicated to answering your entire car buying questions. We want you to feel comfortable with your purchase and recommend us to friends, too. Have confidence in our knowledge and desire to satisfy each customer that walks through our doors.
2. Set your budget. Before coming into our dealership, decide how much you have to spend on a Ford vehicle. Our used car inventory is likely to have something that fits your budget so you won’t drive away in a car you can’t afford.
3. Take one of our cars for a test drive. We want to make sure all your questions are answered and that you are at ease with your purchase. The best way to do this is to take a car for a test drive before purchasing. You might even need to test drive a few cars before you find the one that’s right for you.

At Sunset Ford, customer satisfaction is our ultimate goal. Come in and see us today - and experience that goal for yourself.

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If you’re in the market for a new Ford vehicle, Sunset Ford is ready and willing to make the process as easy and hassle-free as possible. Our salespeople are dedicated to making the car buying procedure an enjoyable one so you’ll be sure to return in the future when it’s time for to purchase again.

Here are some important things to consider before meeting with us so you can be sure your needs are met.

1. Consider your budget. Don’t overextend yourself and end up with a car you can’t afford. Find a model that’s within your price range and one that you can comfortable afford.
2. The amount you are financing – The bigger down payment you can put on the car, the better you’ll be financially in the long run. Scrape together as much money as you can to put down. Finance the least amount possible.
3. The loan term – A longer loan term could mean paying thousands more dollars in the end but also means less expensive monthly payments. Try to pay off your new car as soon as you can in order to save on paying accumulating interest.
4. Interest rate – This is a very important part of any loan. The higher the interest rate, the more money you’ll end up paying by the end of the loan term. The better your credit, the lower interest rate you are likely to receive.

Sunset Ford is equipped to take care of your car buying needs. Visit us today and see just how easy it can be.

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